The Easter season is a time of mystagogy, a time when neophytes are led into a deeper understanding of the mysteries of our faith. The first of the mysteries whereby

our neophytes entered into the communion of our Church was their celebration of Baptism. Baptism is the sacrament in which not only original sin but also all personal sins are forgiven. In Baptism, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us … we receive sanctifying grace, a sharing in God’s own life. We become adopted sons and daughters of God. We receive the theological virtues of faith, hope and love. And in Baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ, the Church. All of this is preceded by a renunciation of sin, of Satan and all his works and all his empty show. May the Easter season be a time of mystagogy for us all, as with our neophytes we - by remembering the effects of our own Baptism - enter into a deeper understanding of the mysteries of our faith.